Key result
In patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the defense mechanism of Projection was significantly associated with higher depression, lower physical well-being, and longer time since diagnosis.
Why the study?
Clinical psychological features may affect the ability to manage chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, prompting exploration of defense mechanisms, depression, quality of life, and metabolic control.
Cross-Sectional (n=51)
No
Effect estimate: r = 0.31
p-value: p=<0.05
In patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, specific psychological defense mechanisms are significantly correlated with depression and health-related quality of life, highlighting the potential value of psychological assessment in chronic disease management.
Does not support routine screening in T2DM; leaves open causal role and need for prospective trials.
INTRODUCTION: Clinical psychological features may impact person’s aptitude to deal with chronic diseases, leading to emotional distress, suffering, and worst perceived quality of life (QoL). Chronic diseases are largely represented, and their incidence is constantly increasing all over the world. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases and it is very difficult to manage with, demanding long life self-management which improve perceived quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore defense mechanisms, depression, QoL, time since diagnosis, and metabolic control in T2DM patients. METHODS: 51 patients with T2DM were assessed through a psychodiagnostic battery: Beck Depression Inventory II edition, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, including indexes Physical and Mental Component Summary and the Defense Mechanisms Inventory. Time since DM diagnosis and glycated hemoglobin values were detected. RESULTS: Participants were mainly female (62.74%), with a mean age of 66.1 years. T2DM time since diagnosis was 11.77 years (SD=7.1). It was detected mild depression (with an overall score between 13 and 19). Projection was significantly associated with higher depression and with lower physical well-being; principalization was negatively associated with depression and positively with both physical and mental well-being. Turning against self, correlated positively with physical well-being and negatively with mental well-being. Reversal was associated with lower depression and higher mental well-being. A negative high correlation emerged between depression and mental well-being. Finally, a significant relationship was found between projection and higher time since diagnosis (r=.31, p<.05). CONCLUSION: The correlations between defense mechanisms, depression and health-related QoL highlight the potential personification and protagonization, which may increase over time due to the illness intrusiveness and worsening of diabetes symptoms. The positive association between defensive strategies and well-being measures should be cautiously considered.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Martino et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (n=51). Defense mechanisms (e.g., Projection, Principalization) was evaluated on Correlation between Projection and time since diagnosis (r = 0.31, p=<0.05). In patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the defense mechanism of Projection was significantly associated with higher depression, lower physical well-being, and longer time since diagnosis.
Synapse has enriched 3 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: